Not Your Usual Garden Variety: Cornerstone Festival of Gardens Offers Surprises and Variety

Looking for a little twist to your nuptials celebration? Maybe even somewhat quirky, avant garde or down right unusual? Cornerstone Festival of Gardens is unlike anything in Wine Country, let alone the United States. Located on nine sunny and scenic acres in Sonoma County, Cornerstone offers an innovative union of gardens, art and entertaining. During the days, the gardens are open to the public, but during the evenings and reserved times designated areas can be roped off for private events.

Cornerstone Festival of Gardens is an ever-changing series of walk-through gardens that showcase new and innovative designs from the world's finest landscape architects and designers. The gardens contribute to the art, philosophy and future of garden design. Inspired by the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-Sur-Loire in France, Cornerstone Gardens creates a cultural and creative haven that strives to celebrate the connection between art, architecture and nature. Continually in a state of evolution, some garden installations will be in place for a season, while others will remain for several seasons. Be sure to see the blue tree – strung with more than 70,000 holiday balls.

For the bride scouting locations, Cornerstone Gardens offers an extensive and ever-changing Mecca of greenery. There is a fully-equipped catering room on the premises where on-site or outside caters can prepare your meal service. Guests are allowed to arrange for full bar and live music. There is also a private residence where the bridal party can dress or stay. Couples are welcome to engage the services of their own wedding planner to oversee operations, or a bride may work with staff to help with event planning. On-site vendors include Cornerstone Marketplace Café (full service catering), Artifacts (rental of unique salvage items), Artesa Winery tasting room and Chloe Vanessa (floral).

Pick a Spot

Roam the nine acres and pick a spot! Bordered by Pinot Noir vineyards to the east and Carneros hills to the west, this site offers a truly unique environment that promises to provide a most distinctive venue for your affair. Cornerstone Gardens offers a wide choice of locations for wedding and elopement ceremonies, rehearsal dinners or bridal brunches.

Private Wedding Garden

An exquisite tented romantic location for all celebrations, the Wedding Garden features lush landscaping, climbing roses, olive trees, seasonal perennials and a half acre of lawn. Included in the rental is a custom designed 50-foot round Zephyr tent. In warmer seasons, the attached retractable clear walls can be rolled up to allow guests a connection to the gardens.
Wedding Garden: 18,200 sq ft
Tent: 1,962 sq ft / 50' round

Garden Barn

The Garden Barn is situated in the middle of the gardens, surrounded by a large expanse of lawn. This structure is the original barn from the Cornerstone Gardens property, offering a rustic yet festive option for entertaining, dining and dancing. The barn features large double sliding doors that open on both ends to showcase panoramic views of the gallery style gardens one end and a patio area furnished with tables, chairs and umbrellas at the other.
Garden Barn: 1,800 sq ft (60' x 30')

Vineyard Lawn

The Vineyard Lawn is adjacent to the gardens and bordered by Pinot Noir vineyards to the east and an intriguing pond system stretching the length of the lawn to create a calming oasis. Vineyard Lawn offers privacy for group events, a lovely space for large ceremonies, and a beautiful open air option for dining.
Vineyard Lawn: 7,500 sq ft (150' x 50')

On-Site Lodging

The space is also home to a beautiful private residence with three bedroom suites, a hot tub and its own relaxing garden. Situated among the vineyards, the house is located alongside Cornerstone Festival of Gardens at the Vineyard House. The residence is available for rental by Cornerstone Gardens clients and Wine Country visitors.

Potpourri: Cornerstone Garden Installations

Many of the Cornerstone Gardens exhibit areas are available on a limited basis for specific event celebrations. Elopements and small wedding ceremonies can be accommodated with proper planning and approval.

Cornerstone Festival of Gardens
23570 Hwy. 121
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-3010
www.cornerstonegardens.com
For event inquiries, email events@cornerstonegardens.com . Check the Web site for seasonal hours and garden entry fees.

Martha Blanchfield is a contributing writer to NapaWeddingSource.com and is the owner/ designer of Martha Blanchfield Custom Gowns in Napa, California. For more information visit www.marthablanchfield.com